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Barn swallows are considered cavity-nesting birds and will use sheltered nest boxes mounted underneath covered areas. These types of nesting boxes are best installed in open, wooden structures (e.g., barns), next to farmland or open fields.
Barn swallows will build their nest below an osprey nest, receiving protection from other birds of prey that are repelled by the exclusively fish-eating ospreys. The ospreys are alerted to the presence of these predators by the alarm calls of the swallows.
Look for Barn Swallows feeding above meadows, fields, and farmyards and over water, or perched on wires near feeding areas and nesting sites. During the breeding season keep an eye on mud puddles, as Barn Swallows come to the ground to pick up mud and grass for nesting materials.
Barn Swallows typically build their nests in cavities, including natural crevices or man-made structures such as buildings or bridges. The nest is constructed from mud pellets, which are collected from the ground and mixed with saliva to form a paste.
Originally nesting in caves, Barn Swallows were also nesting in structures built by Native Americans by the early 1800s. Their range greatly expanded after European settlement, and today Barn Swallows are almost exclusively found nesting in/on a great variety of man-made structures, including barns, sheds, outbuildings, garages, bridges ...
Nest: Original natural sites were in sheltered crevices in cliffs or shallow caves. Sites used today are mostly in open buildings, under eaves, under bridges or docks, or similar places. Nest (built by both sexes) is a cup of mud and dried grass, lined with feathers.
Underparts vary across range, from bright buffy-orange to whitish. Occurs in any open habitat, especially large fields and wetlands. Often seen foraging in flocks, sometimes mixed with other species of swallow. Typically nests close to human habitation; builds a muddy cup nest in a barn or under a dock.
